by Jessica Carrera ’13

“We’re seniors, Jessica. Seniors, woohoo!” Joey Bascomb is one of 495 seniors graduating in June 2013, but he will be the only one with his signature matching shoes and bangle bracelets. Every day, Bascomb comes to school wearing a principle color that the rest of his outfit revolves around. Today it was blue, specifically “Warrior blue. Go Sherwood!” he exclaimed gleefully.

There’s no one with more school spirit than Bascomb and his enthusiasm shines through in everything that he does. As he walked around the tennis courts with his peers, a routine before the start of the modified general Physical Education (PE) class, everyone he spoke to was greeted with an exuberant “good morning” which was promptly followed by “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

The educational day began with the introduction of the new unit: field hockey. “The unit will move in a progression. We start with hitting [the ball] then go on to passing, then passing and moving, and finally shooting,” said PE teacher Bonnie Gilchrist. Though every student in the class has a different ability level, the staff of the Special Education program handled all the different needs very well and expected nothing less than the students’ best effort.

On the way back into the gym, Bascomb was asked if it was safe to cross the street. After he determined it was, he said “Okay, Jessica, time to cross,” and proceeded to guide me safely across the small stretch of road. Besides his innate kind nature, Bascomb is extremely considerate of those around him, always mindful of their feelings.

Once gym class ended, Bascomb joined a classmate and Vickie Fisher, a paraeducator, for his Skills Building block. During this time, he wheeled around a cart of hot beverages and delivered them to teachers who have pre-paid for the service (known as “Sherbucks”). Vocational Education  serves as training for the students in the School-Community Based program so that they are able to obtain supported employment once they have gone through the seven-year program. “[Skills Building] helps to improve vocational skills and helps them to be self-reliant. They learn to manage money as well as how to communicate with adults,” said Special Educator teacher Rosanne Ferris.

Bascomb enjoyed making his rounds and delightfully delivered the beverages, but he lit up when he went into Dr. Mary Baker’s classroom. As soon as he walked in, Bascomb was greeted by the students calling his name and warmly saying “hello;” though he can be shy at first, Bascomb loves talking to others and jumps at the chance to make new friends. Fisher explained that Bascomb “goes into the classroom to give them the coffee and say hello,” as he finishes her sentence with “and wave, wave, wave!”

After lunch in the cafeteria, the classes divided up and Bascomb headed to Skill Lines with Sumi and Nathanial, friends and peers of his that join him in the inclusion dance class taught by PE teacher Sandi Williams.

This is by far Bascomb’s favorite class. On this particular day, there was no music playing, but the class continued and Bascomb was adding his own flair to every move. “[Bascomb] has a very bubbly, effervescent personality; I don’t think I’ve ever seen him upset. He has great people skills and he loves to talk to them about clothes and jewelry. Everybody loves him,” said Fisher.

The day ended with a rousing game of “Diner” and cookies as a special treat. As Bascomb ate, he looked around, smiled and said “Happy times. Specifically, happy times.”